Herbal Medicine

Test your knowledge of Herb Lore with this Quiz

Questions and answers by Laura Stannard FNIMH

1. What herb did the Romans use to whip themselves with as a cure for arthritis?

2. What common vegetable can be used as a poultice to soothe the inflammation of a swollen joint?

3. Which herb was forbidden to Ancient Greek soldiers in time of war because of its distracting aphrodisiacal properties?

4. Wine made from which herb was sold on the streets of London until the end of the 19th century on cold winters days and nights to cheer travellers and workers on their way?

5. Mediaeval cordials contained an important herb to strengthen the heart and lift the spirits. The herb is still used by herbalists today for the same purposes. What is the herb?

6. In World War II what herb was used to dress infected wounds and speed their healing?

7. Which herb is reputed to have cured Henry VIII of syphilis?

8. Medieval knights wore a sprig of which herb in their helmets as they rode into battle to protect them from evil?

9. Which herb prevents travel sickness and nausea, and is used by astronauts for this purpose?

10. Which famous Anglo-Saxon herbal [book of herbs] was kept at Glastonbury?

11. The following words are from a dialect of an ancient civilisation: saffron, carob, cardamom, turmeric, cumin, cherry, flax, myrrh, mulberry, mandrake, almond, poppy, sesame, and cypress. What was the ancient civilisation?

12. The berries of which herb are used to make gin?

13. White settlers in North America learned herbal medicine from medicine men. The medicine men used a tool for mixing medicines which is still a familiar tool in pharmacies today, and is often found in kitchens too. What is that tool?

14. What ancient herbalist is called the "father of medicine" and is remembered in the oath taken by doctors?

Test your knowledge of Herb Lore with this Quiz

Answers